International News
Trump’s back-and-forth on tariffs creates uncertainty, drives surge in gold prices
Gold price rebounds toward record highs of $3,246 after the previous pullback. Trump’s back-and-forth on tariffs creates uncertainty, underpinning Gold’s safe-haven appeal.Gold remains poised for a fresh leg higher on bullish technical setup on the daily chart.Gold price is bouncing back toward the record highs of $3,246 set on Monday as buyers fight back control despite a sense of calm across the financial markets early Tuesday.
This resurgence comes despite relative calm in broader financial markets, and it underscores the enduring appeal of gold as a safe-haven asset amid political and economic turbulence. Central to this dynamic is the evolving and often erratic trade policy rhetoric emanating from the United States, particularly from former President Donald Trump. As markets struggle to interpret shifting stances on tariffs and brace for consequential economic data, gold appears poised to continue its upward trajectory, supported by both technical and fundamental factors.
The reemergence of gold’s bullish momentum occurs against a backdrop of a moderating U.S. bond market. Last week’s surge in Treasury yields—a swift 50 basis point increase—has partially reversed, with the benchmark 10-year yield falling by approximately 10 basis points. This stabilization has provided a brief respite for investors, many of whom are digesting not only earnings reports from major U.S. corporations but also the ongoing ambiguity surrounding American trade policy.
Trump’s recent comments on adjusting the 25% tariffs on auto and auto parts imports from key partners such as Mexico and Canada have injected fresh uncertainty into the market. His administration’s exemptions for certain technology products, like smartphones and laptops, only added complexity, especially as these items remain subject to less severe 20% tariffs rather than the previously discussed 145% rate. Trump’s mention of impending tariff decisions on semiconductors further adds to the volatility.
Such unpredictability has clear implications for investor sentiment, which in turn sustains the allure of gold. As a non-yielding asset traditionally viewed as a hedge against economic instability, gold thrives during periods when policy inconsistency undermines market confidence. Moreover, the anticipation of further dovish shifts by the Federal Reserve amplifies this dynamic. Remarks from Fed Governor Christopher Waller this week highlighted the economic strain caused by tariff policies, suggesting that rate cuts might be necessary even in the face of persistent inflation. While some voices, like Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic, urge a wait-and-see approach, markets are pricing in substantial rate reductions—approximately 85 basis points by year’s end—with high confidence that rates will remain unchanged at the Fed’s next meeting in May.
Beyond the U.S., global factors are also reinforcing the upward pressure on gold prices. Chinese investors have significantly increased their holdings in physically backed gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in April, a trend confirmed by the World Gold Council. This inflow reflects both domestic economic concerns and a broader global appetite for risk hedging, particularly as China prepares to release its first-quarter GDP data. Monday’s announcement from China Customs, revealing a 12.4% year-over-year surge in exports for March, underscores the urgency with which Chinese exporters have responded to looming U.S. tariff hikes.
As gold continues its climb, technical indicators on the daily chart support the potential for further gains. Yet, this ascent remains contingent on several evolving narratives: Trump’s tariff proclamations, the Fed’s policy responses, and the tone of incoming macroeconomic data from China and beyond. In this complex and fluid environment, gold retains its timeless luster—not merely as a commodity, but as a barometer of global uncertainty.
International News
WGC Gold Demand Trends- Q1 2026: Bar and Coin Buying Drove Q1 Demand
Global Demand Hit a New Record High Value Total Q1 Gold Demand, Including OTC, was 2% Higher y/y at 1,231t
Total Q1 gold demand, including OTC, was 2% higher y/y at 1,231t. This modest growth in volumes, combined with gold’s exceptional price rise, generated a 74% jump in the value of quarterly demand to a record US$193bn.
Bar and coin demand of 474t (+42%) was the second-highest quarter on record. Asian investors led the charge, hoovering up gold investment products.
Buying of gold-backed ETFs continued in Q1 (+62t), but at a lower rate than the very strong Q1’25 (+230t) following sizable outflows from US funds in March.
Amid record high gold prices, jewellery demand volumes remained under pressure (-23% y/y), while levels of spend again increased (+31%), signalling continued positive sentiment towards gold jewellery.
Central banks bought 244t (+3% y/y) of gold on a net basis in Q1 despite a visible uptick in selling activity during the quarter.
Demand for gold used in technology edged 1% higher to 82t, fuelled largely by the continued growth in AI infrastructure.
Highlights
- The LBMA (PM) gold price set a new quarterly average record of US$4,873/oz. The price hit a historical high of US$5,405/oz in January, followed by a notable correction. During Q1, the gold price returned 6%.
- The supply of gold increased in Q1 by 2% y/y to 1,231t. Modest growth in mine production, together with a 5% uptick in recycling, generated the increase.
- Investment demand now far exceeds fabrication. Weaker jewellery demand alongside growing investor interest in gold has changed the composition of demand in recent years.
Outlook
- Geopolitics remain front and centre in our outlook for gold demand in 2026. Our view remains that investment and central bank demand will be supported by ongoing geopolitical risk, with further investment impetus from elevated inflation and persistent high gold prices. Jewellery demand will remain under pressure for similar reasons, albeit that spending will likely remain resilient.
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